One day I found myself being called by the candle that was flickering on my desk. I felt a strong impulse to dip my painting into the fervent flame. And I did. I felt a rush — a mix of fear, excitement and fascination. I loved the way the paper negotiated with the hungry heat and began to burn with surrender. This was the beginning of my passion for making art with fire. I got burnt a few times, but I couldn’t help but want to know this powerful force more intimately. I quickly bought a fire extinguisher and made sure to have water within reach.
I learned that how I am with my breath as I release it to put out the blazing edges of my images matters; if I lose control or panic and blow too hard, the fire fights back, it grows with a ferocity that could be dangerous. But if I stay grounded and gently let out small bursts of air, the flames fall and the burning slows to a rest.
I love the uncertainty of how deep the burn might go and how much of my image might end up consumed, the urgency of the flames, the need for me to be 100% attentive and ready to take action. I have to attune to the fire or it will take over. What a metaphor for life and the incredible work I am honoured to do every day. 🔥